5 Ways to Control Our Response to Offense

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

An election year is always a prime soup of opinions. Everybody has one. Political arguments, polls, speeches, and spin can stir the pot with a lot of spice, some more fiery than others.

Heated conversation can be found in a host of places from restaurants, stores, and sadly even church.

 Even when we think we are not affected a mood change can be a key we are letting coals of anger or depression grow in our emotions.

We have the power to flip the switches on electronic devices, but we can’t turn off opinions spouted in our presence whether in the workplace, marketplace, or school. Refusing to become offended is a choice we can make, but the power to make that choice requires discipline in the Word of God.

Here are five ways to control our response to offense, not just in politics, but for any reason.

Don’t take the bait and get into an argument. Sometimes we just need to walk away because we cannot change another’s mind. We can pray for people with unbiblical opinions but only the Holy Spirit can illuminate them.

The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult (Proverbs 12:16 ESV).

1. Realize our worth does not come from someone else’s opinion or actions. Our value comes from God not the news media, entertainment industry, or politics.

To the praise of the glory of his grace, by which He made us accepted in the beloved (Ephesians 1:6 NKJV).

2. Anchor our personality in Jesus and take possession of the inheritance He gave us. We have an inheritance in Christ that is far superior to anything this world can give.

In him we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11 NKJV).

3. Realize the words may come from the heart of a person who does not know God. Our godly response can be the light they need to see past darkness.

They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart (Ephesians 4:18 ESV).

4. Allowing offense into our lives doesn’t change the situation, but it can change us into angry and bitter people. Faith in God comes by hearing His word, but the opposite is true when we tune our ears to evil conversation. We will believe what we listen to the most.

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)

5. Depend on the Fruit of the Spirit. The best defense for offense is found in Philippians 1:11, “being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

Allowing the fruit of the spirit to cool the hot pot of anger when the opportunity for offense comes will stop the progression of the negative atmosphere of anger. We can’t control other people but we can control our response to them. When we stand strong and avoid being drawn into the negativity, we grow in maturity and spiritual strength.

How do you handle offensive situations?

We can’t control other people, but we can control our response to them. When we stand strong and avoid being drawn into the negativity, we grow in maturity and spiritual strength. click to tweet